AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello everybody! I know it's almost been a year since I've updated and I'm really sorry. I have no other excuse than terrible writers block. But I'm back! I really hope my loyal readers are still here.

And welcome back to Closer To The Hart! Yes, we are in Chapter 34! Wow. My first fanfic. I never thought I'd have the drive to even write one but 34 chapters later... Wow. Thanks for all your support. It really means alot. xoxo.

So, without any further ado, let's go.

WARNING: This story may contain triggering scenes and strong language not meant for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. (I love to get that outta the way)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters except my OC Kendra and other OC's I might have forgotten to mention. This story is a pure work of fiction (hence its written on) and most of the events and facts are completely made up so... I guess that's it.

Chapter 34 - Midnight Summer Dream (Part I)

Bret sat quietly as he looked at his sister who was rocking back and forth in her sitting position on the floor looking like she had just seen a ghost.

She was having a panic attack.

He sat down on her bed and watched her crunched down on the floor trying to regain her breath. Her eyes were wide open and her face stricken with terror. He had seen this pan out multiple times in the past but he hadn't seen it in such a long time but he knew exactly how to react; give her space to breathe.

It went on for about five minutes until he noticed her breaths relax and her body calm down a bit.

"Can you speak now sis?" Bret asked finally breaking the silence which had existed for the past few minutes. Kendra nodded and gently cleared her throat. "Good. I'm calm as well. So tell me, why did you call that bastard Elijah?" Bret said venomously while retaining his said calmness.

"I... I thought both of you were planning something bad against me" She confessed. Bret raised ab eyebrow in confusion. "I overheard your conversation in the car. I don't know I assumed it was Elijah. I just remembered how much you hated him now but still..."

"Kendra..." Bret said as he inhaled. "Why would I ever want to have anything to do with an asshole who did so much shit to you? I fucking hate Elijah and I always will. Don't you fucking understand?!" Bret yelled as he clenched his fists. Kendra noticed his clenched fists and sighed.

"Well don't you hate me as well?" She asked, looking him dead in the eye.

Bret blinked in surprise. That question took him off guard he wasn't gonna lie.

"I..." He started with a paused as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. For the first time in a while, Bret was short of words. What could he really say? "I don't hate you Kendra. You're my baby sister" He said. Kendra gave him a skeptical look.

"Yes you do Bret. You always have" She informed. "I've gotten used to it." She said simply with a shrug.

"Now hold up there. I don't hate you Kendra. I can never hate you. I love you." Bret reassured once more but it fell on Kendra's deaf ears. "Why would you even...?"

"Nah, don't start Bret." She said as she slowly got up from the floor. "Don't even ask" She said as she pulled herself together from the panic attack.

"But it's the truth girl! I don't hate you. I can never. God!" Bret said standing up suddenly, towering over her. Kendra flinched in reflex. "Sis... how long have you felt this way?"

"Are you really asking me that Bret? You freaking turned me into a punching bag years ago! How long do you think it has been?!" Kendra yelled. Bret said nothing as he continued to observe her. She was flaring up but he knew she would calm down easy enough. "Plus, just look at me" She said as tears slipped down her cheek. "I've been in pain ever since you broke my arm! My body is covered with welt marks and old scars and look..." She said as she turned her face sideways, pointing to the scar on her cheek down to her jaw. "You did this! You! How can someone who doesn't hate me do all this?!"

"Kendra, the cut there was a mistake. We both know this" Bret said, putting up a case for himself. Kendra sniffled.

"Maybe it was. But it didn't stop you from using it to threaten me (Chapter 4 - Be Careful)." Kendra said. "And you promised never to lay a hand on me ever again yet look at you tonight! I'm sick of it all Bret. Sick!" Kendra said.

Bret had no words. She was right. She was a hundred percent justified to feel that way.

But one thing she wasn't right about was the fact that he hated her.

He could never hate her, he couldn't.

Despite the fact that they were not as close as she was to Owen while growing up, she and Bret shared a special bond. He looked after her and took her as one of his responsibilities. He taught her how to wrestle, gave her advice, helped her with homework and a bunch of other things.

Everything was peachy until the Elijah incident, then the time they started living together. Something snapped inside him. Something he couldn't control.

And whatever it was, it made him want to take out his anger by being a jerk to his little sister. While Kendra was no saint, especially while growing up, he knew he took things out of hand. And he just wanted to fix it but he had no idea where to begin or what to start from.

How did things end up being so fucked up?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"C'mon Shawn. Why do you look so down in the dust?" Hunter asked Shawn who despite having a drink or two was not in mood of clubbing at all. It really set a damper on the good time that they all wished to have that night.

"Oh nothing. I'm just not in the mood for dirty dances or one night stands right now" Shawn said, taking another sip of beer. Hunter and Kevin exchanged puzzled looks looks while Scott and X-Pac were off dancing with girls of their own. Kevin was married and Hunter was dating Joanie so they sat at the bar as well, hoping to drink and catch up.

"Okay..." Kevin dragged on. "So, how's life been all this while? How's Sun..." Kevin started but was quickly silenced by Hunter who kicked him in the leg to shut him up. "Right. So what's going on with you?" Shawn shrugged.

"Work. I'm also dropping the title to Sid soon so that's great" Shawn said sarcastically as he continued downing his beer. "Nothing out of the ordinary" Shawn said looking down at his beer cup. Kevin and Hunter exchanged looks once again before deciding to leave Shawn all together and talk to each other instead.

Shawn knew he was being a party pooper but he just couldn't help it. He had a girlfriend now. Someone he'd been crushing on and eventually developing feelings for decided to become his girlfriend. He was ecstatic! Quite frankly he wanted nothing else than to be by her side, in her company, sharing some intimate moments with her once more.

Shawn sighed to himself as his eyes flashed over to his watch then to his nearly empty glass of beer. It was 11:02pm. He sighed once more. He knew what he had to do.

"Guys, I'm sorry for being a pooper but the truth is I'm just in a mood. I might come out of it later but I'll be better off heading over to the hotel" Shawn told Hunter and Kevin. He didn't wait for their response before heading out of the club.

"Something is definitely up with him" Kevin said.

"Something has been up with him for a long time really. At this point I don't even bother. I know Shawn will be okay" Hunter said. "It all started when he got entwined with Sunny. I told him nooo, but hey, who listens to Triple H?" Hunter asked.

Kevin whose mind had drifted off was suddenly brought back to earth. "Huh?"

"I said who even listens... oh forget it" Hunter said as Kevin gave him a confused look.

Sometimes he felt as if he was the only normal person in their friend group. And every single time, he was proven right.

Meanwhile...

Bret paced back and forth in the hotel gym as he watched his phone ring. Once again he'd let his temper get the best of him and dug himself deeper into this whole of enemity with his sister. That sucked because deep down he had a lot of love in his heart for her.

"You had no sure fire way of knowing I was awake" Sunny's voice peered through Bret's phone. The Canadian smiled to himself. Of course Sunny would still be awake.

"Sure, as long as one of us believes that. How are you Tammy?" Bret asked cheerfully which was pretty unlike him but he had a soft spot for Sunny. "Any plans of returning soon?" Sunny scoffed.

"Not for another month or two" Sunny said with a groan. "How's Chris?"

"No idea. He's been MIA since... well, since about the same time you left. I don't think anyone's heard from him since then" Bret heard Sunny cursing out loud on the other end and winced a bit. He wished he could feel bad for her but then again, she brought everything upon herself.

"Alrighty then. So, on to probably lighter things, why did my favorite Hart call me? Anything new with Kendra and Shawn?"

"God no. Thank God. Nah."

"Right. So what's up then?" Sunny asked.

"It's my sister. I feel I've been hard on her lately and... well, I wanna do something nice for her. To get her to ease up a bit and forgive me. Any ideas?" Sunny paused for a few seconds, wondering what Bret might had done to his sister.

"What did you do to her?" Sunny asked suspiciously. Truly she loved Bret with all her heart but she could tell that things were not all rosy between him and his sister. She just didn't know the extent to her suspicions.

"Nothing. I was just an ass. I... said some things that made her have a panic attack and then some. I just wanna make it up to her and you're the one female friend I can count on. Please" Bret pleaded. Sunny was quiet for a while as she was deep in thought.

"Well, if there's one thing I know... or I think I know about Kends, she loves physical activity. Get your mind out of the gutter. She loves training, working out, stuff like that"

"How's that gonna do me any favors?" Bret asked in a confused manner. Sunny groaned.

"You can be such a blonde sometimes Bret. Which is kinda ironic. Invite her out for a workout date or something. Get a ring if you can, practice some moves. She loves wrestling. She'll open up in no time you'll see. Then add some sweet things as the cherry on the cake. She also loves food"

"Wow. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks Tammy. And sorry for waking you up once again" Bret apologized despite knowing that she wasn't even asleep.

"Aha. Sleep is for the weak. Goodnight Bret" Sunny said as she hung up.

Bret sighed.

He's had multiple chances to mend his relationship with his sister. One more should work. Right?

Two more weeks until Canada. He just had to remind himself of that.

Meanwhile...

Kendra was still shaken up from her encounter with Bret that night. She didn't want to imagine what her fate would had been if he actually went along with what he wanted to do to her.

God.

She remained curled up in her bed when she heard a knock on her door. She began to shiver and shake as she perceived Bret was back. She ignored the knock on the door, hoping it would go away.

But it didn't.

That was when she realized that it wasn't Bret. Bret already had a key, he wouldn't knock this long.

With that realization, her heartbeat sped up, thumping heavily against her chest. She knew she had nothing to be worried about but she feared for the worst.

"Could it be... Elijah?" She mumbled as her heart continued to race.

"Kendra open up, it's me" She heard Shawn's voice coming from the other side of the door and relief swept through her. Wasting no time she ran up to the door, unlocked it and jumped into his arms.

"Shawn! I had no idea it would be you. I thought you were doing something with your Kliq guys" She said as she released the hug. "I'm really sorry for not opening up the door in time. I was..."

"You were what hun?" Shawn asked.

"Scared you were... Elijah. I know it's stupid but..."

"Your ex boyfriend that got out of jail?" Shawn asked. "Has he been in contact with you recently?"

"I... I called him"

"Oh" Shawn breathed out. "Well, that's...oh."

"Yeah" She said shyly as she looked down in shame. She didn't even want to imagine what was gong through Shawn's head at that current moment. No matter how sweet a guy came across as, she was sure no guy would be thrilled to find out that their girlfriend was in contact with their ex.

"Hey, sweetheart. Kendy" Shawn called out, snapping her out of her thoughts. "I lost you there didn't I?" He inquired with a chuckle. Kendra forced a smile but couldn't stop her heart from thumping loudly. "Hey, just calm down alright. Deep breaths. In and out. Yeah" Shawn urged. "You got it" He said after noticing she had calmed down a bit.

"T...thanks Shawn. I really needed that" She said with a lot of gratitude as she sat down.

"Was Bret over again?" Shawn asked, taking a seat right next to her. She nodded. "Yeah, I can see that" Shawn said, noticing the reddish tint on her neck. "Dammit Kendy, you just can't keep letting him do this to you" Shawn stated. Kendra gave out a loud sigh.

"He found out I called Elijah. He hates Elijah so... well, you can probably guess the rest" Kendra said with a sigh. Shawn looked at her pitifully.

"You just can't keep on allowing him to beat you up at every little thing. I mean, look at you right now. You're in pain" Shawn said, gesturing to her arm and to her bruised neck which made Kendra rub her neck nervously. They both knew that despite anything that happens, Kendra would always stay silent about Bret because at the end of the day, he was her brother. "So, why did you call Elijah in the first place?" Shawn asked inquisitively. Kendra winced.

"Shawn... I dunno. I feel like we haven't gotten to the place in our relationship where I wanna tell you about this" She said, Shawn raised an eyebrow, no doubt being a bit confused and a little offended. "Shawn..."

"So you called you ex, who's just got outta jail, yet you don't want me to know why. Seems a little weird to me" Shawn commented looking at his girlfriend pensively. Kendra groaned.

"There's no way I'm cheating on you if that's what you're thinking" Kendra said. "I just... I thought he and Bret were planning something against me okay? You know we'll be going back to Canada soon and... I don't know. It's dumb but..."

"I know your brother's an asshole but what would make your mind go there?" Shawn asked seriously, raising an eyebrow. "Did your ex ever hurt you in the past?" Shawn asked. Though immediately regretted asking as he saw the look of pure pain come across Kendra's features. "Kendy, babe... your ex hurt you? Physically?"

Kendra couldn't say another word as the tears she'd been so desperately holding back for the longest time came pouring out abundantly. Her first time, getting into a new relationship, seven years after her ordeal with Elijah and here her new boyfriend was, bringing him up.

"Oh Kendy baby I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... fuck!" Shawn exclaimed, seeing her in that state and regretting bringing up her ex. "Come here baby, I'm so sorry!" Shawn exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around her gently as she continued to cry. "I'm so sorry fuck, I'm so sorry!"

"I really wanna tell you Shawn, I really do!" Kendra cried out. "But I don't want you to see me as pathetic. Or weak or... I don't know" Kendra said, still sobbing loudly. "Shawn..."

"I'm sorry for trying to insinuate anything was going on between you two Kendy. And furthermore, I'm sorry for bringing him up. I'm such an asshole for that" Shawn berated himself as his hands went up and down her back. "Never again. I know we just started dating. Whenever you feel the time is right you can talk to me and I'll be here to make you feel better" Shawn vowed. Kendra nodded but still kept herself wrapped up in his embrace, afraid to let go. Shawn sensed this and didn't let go.

They stayed in that position for quite a while until Kendra finally calmed down.

"You know, I abandoned the guys at the club" Shawn joked, changing the topic as the both of them laid on the bed, with his arm wrapped around her shoulder and she snuggling into him. "Spending time with my new girlfriend is way more important"

"Awwn" She said with a soft giggle. She liked the word 'girlfriend' and besides the fact that this was kinda rushed, it felt good inside. Shawn made her happy. He somehow managed to get her trust which she didn't lease out often and she actually developed strong feelings for him these past few weeks. It may or may not have resulted from her being in a vulnerable state but regardless... Shawn was hers now. And she was his. Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship so she knew she had to tell him about Elijah.

The sooner the better.

"What's going on in your pretty mind babe?" Shawn asked, brushing some hair out of her face as he noticed his girlfriend was n deep thought. Kendra sighed in reply.

"Do you really wanna know about Elijah?" Kendra asked with a sigh. Shawn raised an eyebrow.

"If you don't wanna tell me right now I'm perfectly fine. It's up to..."

"It all started in my sophomore year in High School..."

Flashback, August 1988

"I'm telling you everyone had a radical glow up last summer! There's Trevor, there's Grant and oh look, there's Bryce!" Kendra's high school best friend Emily squealed as the stood by the lockers and took note of everyone who came who walked through the hallway. Kendra giggled at Emily's raging hormones though she couldn't deny it herself. The guys in her grade did mature the past summer.

But she'd never had eyes on any guy at school. That reason being...

"Yeah they're alright. But once you've gotten accustomed to seeing hot wrestlers almost everyday, you kind get used to it" Kendra said as her cheeks went pink. "Like Adam"

"Ooooh" Emily teased as she giggled as well. "How's that been going?" She asked. Kendra blushed.

Adam Copeland had been coming over to the Hart Dungeon a lot and he was really cute. Plus they had a mutual attraction. "So far, all we've done was just make out. He asked me to be his girlfriend last month but I wasn't so sure how my family would react. Especially with all my protective siblings, parents, plus the other wrestlers who come around."

"You're extremely lucky you get to be around hot wrestlers all the time. I mean all those guys, heck even your brothers. I mean look at Dean!" Emily gushed. She had a huge crush on Dean Hart which Kendra found utterly ridiculous.

"He's twice your age. Plus you're underage" She scolded.

"I'm legal in some states." Emily defended as the two girls shared a laugh. "My point it, I'd kill to date a wrestler like you."

"Yeah but I don't think the whole thing with Adam will work out. We talked about it and so far we've just been friends with benefits until either of us gets someone else. And it's been really fun" Kendra said while blushing. Emily scrunched her brows in confusion before her eyes suddenly lit up in recognition as she gazed at a figure standing behind Kendra.

"Oh... I almost forgot about..."

"Elijah!" Kendra exclaimed with a wide grin as she embraced her friend. "I fucking missed you"

"Missed you more Princess!" Elijah said in an equally joyful tone as he picked her up and spun her around. "Hey Emily"

"Hi Elijah! Looking really good!" Emily complimented to which Elijah gave her one of his signature confident smiles. And indeed he did. Kendra didn't hesitate to check him out. He was clad in a plain white shirt, leather pants and his signature leather jacket. He gave us bad boy vibes but everyone knew he was a good kid.

Or so they thought at that time.

"See you ladies later. Especially you Kenny, I'm coming over for dinner" He said with a wink, giving her back a light squeeze before venturing away leaving behind two gushing girls.

End Of Flashback

"Elijah and I became really close after that. My family adored him, his family loved me it was perfect." Kendra breathed out to Shawn who still listened attentively.

"Even Bret?" Shawn asked in disbelief. Kendra nodded.

"Yeah. Bret wasn't this maniacal bastard he is now back then. Back then we were really tight. Despite working in Stampede wrestling, he always came around to hang out and teach me how to wrestle. Heck, even my best friend Emily" Kendra said with a faint smile on her face as she thought back to those days, many years ago. "Good times. Bret was a huge fan of Elijah too."

Flashback, October 1988

"You ready to tap out yet sis?" Bret asked, as he kept her in a sleeper hold.

"Never!" Kendra yelled, determined to break out of it.

It was a Thursday night and per tradition, Bret, as well as Kendra's other siblings decided to pay a visit to their childhood home to see their parents and sister and also to have dinner and catch up. They tried to every fortnight or at least every month, but a few like Diana, Owen, Dean and Bret always made sure to make it every week to which Kendra was thankful for.

Bret especially was always happy to come over. Sometimes he'd come alone, other times he'd bring his entire family. But one thing was for sure, he would always try to come to practice a few moves with his lovely sister.

"And, there we go!" Kendra exclaimed, managing to break out of the sleeper hold and do a tumble to the other side of the ring. "Told you I could do it"

"I'm impressed" Bret said with a nod. "So talented. I can't wait for you to become an actual wrestler honey, you're gonna sell out crowds" Bret said, ruffling her hair.

"I hope so. It's my dream" She said with a sigh. Unsurprisingly, all she's ever wanted to be was a wrestler right from when she was a little girl. And her older brother Bret was more than happy to take time off and attempt to make her dreams come true.

"So, how's school been? How's Em? And how's Elijah? Has he asked you out yet?" Bret asked. Kendra giggled. It was strange to talk about her love life with any of her siblings other than Owen and Diana but Bret was interested lately and she was happy to indulge him.

"School's been great, I'm Honors English" She said proudly. "Emily's great as usual. She's coming over for dinner tonight mainly because she wants to see Dean" Kendra said with an eyeroll as Bret chuckled. "And Elijah... well... he asked me out today"

"Ah! Teenage love. Congratulations on..."

"Wait, I haven't said yes yet. I'm still contemplating!"

"Kendra"

"Bret" She mocked making her brother sigh. "What?"

"Well you know deep in your heart you'll do what's right. And while I am in support you you not dating any boy till you're at least thirty..."

"Bret!"

"What?" He asked innocently as the pair laughed. "But honestly, he's a good kid. In my opinion. You don't see them everyday. So capitalize on this, alright?" Kendra nodded.

"I'll consider it Bret. I'll talk to him after dinner"

End Of Flashback

"We started dating that same night. Elijah and I were one of the school's power couples. We got along, he got along with my family and my friends loved him. It was really nice. In the beginning though, I knew I would've preferred to date a wrestler but Elijah proved himself." Kendra said with a small smile. But that smile dropped soon enough which Shawn picked up on.

"There's a but"

"There's always a but. Two words. His friends"

And that's a wrap. It feels good to write again honestly. Still can't believe I started this book three years ago. I really pray you guys read this chapter and haven't forgotten about me. But oh well, till then!

Take care and see you in the following chapter!